Hi David,
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am a high school finance teacher who picked up your book “The Automatic Millionaire” at Reagan National Airport when I was heading out for my much needed spring break. I am a non-traditional teacher as I do not hold a teaching license, rather, I received both my undergrad and MBA in business. Marrying into the military has caused me to seek out a career that is easily transferable as we move quite frequently, and so here I am, teaching high school finance and absolutely loving it. To my story…
I share your opinion that our younger generation is not taught those principles that are most important in today’s society – money skills. When my class covered a chapter on retirement and our out-of-date textbooks discussed the social security system, I asked my class how many of them thought social security would still be around when they retired. Out of my 2 classes with a total of around 45 students, only 2 or 3 raised their hands. I asked the question, “So how are you are going to pay for retirement?” Not one student made a sound. Keeping in mind these are high schoolers who sometimes need a little prodding to answer a question, I asked again and sat quietly for over 2 minutes, waiting for an answer. Still nothing. I realized I had my work cut out for me. Ever since, I’ve been looking for creative, innovative ways to get them interested in planning for retirement, among other things (how to open a bank account, how the tax system works, how to plan for goals, etc.). After reading your book, I couldn’t contain my excitement as I had finally found something that could keep them entertained, plus teach them a thing or two in the process. We have since been reading a chapter or 2 each week and have tailored our lessons accordingly. Several of my students have even recommended your book to their parents – proving that they have found your book interesting enough to have discussed it after class! My students have gotten especially interested in your chapters on investments.
I agree with your view that most young people come out of school lacking financial sense and knowledge enough to make it in the real world, but I know that my students will not fall into this category. Your book and supplemental guidance stemming from questions regarding topics in your book have fully prepared my students to become the next “Automatic Millionaires”. I want to thank you again for laying out such simple fundamentals that are essential to all people who wish to live comfortably and not worry about their finances.
